Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Guide

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has established itself as a monumental work of fiction, captivating audiences worldwide through its bestselling novels and HBO's groundbreaking adaptation. The saga's cultural impact continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of HBO's follow-up series, *House of the Dragon*. With all of *House of the Dragon: Season 2* now available to stream, there's no better time to explore the rich tapestry of Westeros directly from its creator. For newcomers eager to delve into the world of *A Song of Ice and Fire* and its companion books, this guide will help you navigate the series in chronological order.

Jump to:

• Game of Thrones books in chronological order
• Game of Thrones books by release date
• Upcoming GoT books

How Many Game of Thrones Books Are There in the Series?

George R.R. Martin has released five novels in his A Song of Ice and Fire saga. He is currently working on two more volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. Fans are eagerly awaiting these books, though there's uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series. In the meantime, enthusiasts have even used ChatGPT to envision potential endings. Beyond the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (compiled in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in 2015), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in Fire & Blood in 2018), and a comprehensive world guide, The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For those who cherish physical books, acquiring a set of the Game of Thrones novels can enhance your reading experience. Among the various sets available, the leather-bound edition stands out for its elegance and is currently on sale at Amazon.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

Contains the set of 5 books. $85.00 save 46% $46.00 at Amazon

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

With newcomers in mind, these brief plot synopses contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones

See it at Amazon Fire & Blood serves as the source material for HBO's House of the Dragon, chronicling the 300-year reign of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. Unlike the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, Fire & Blood is narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, who recounts the history from the end of the Targaryen era into Robert Baratheon's reign. The events covered span 150 years, starting 300 years before A Game of Thrones, with the second half of the Targaryen reign expected in Fire & Blood Volume 2.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

18 Images Fire & Blood covers the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. A significant event within this period is the Dance of the Dragons, depicted in House of the Dragon. The book also incorporates and expands upon three previously published novellas: The Princess and the Queen, or, the Blacks and the Greens (2013), The Rogue Prince (2014), and The Sons of the Dragon (2017). Additionally, The Rise of the Dragon offers a condensed and illustrated version of Fire & Blood.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

See it at Amazon A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a collection of three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set approximately 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will be adapted into the next Game of Thrones TV series. While not essential to the main plot, these novellas offer delightful adventures within the Seven Kingdoms. The collection includes The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010).

3. A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones

See it at Amazon Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones marks the beginning of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It introduces readers to Westeros, its families, and key characters. The narrative unfolds during Robert Baratheon's reign, following Robert's Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryens, leading to the War of the Five Kings. The book explores themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and family conflict, told through multiple point-of-view characters including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

75 Images

4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

See it at Amazon A Clash of Kings continues the saga, focusing on the ongoing War of the Five Kings. The narrative follows the various claimants to the throne, the Lannisters' consolidation of power, Jon Snow's journey beyond the Wall, and Daenerys' adventures in Essos. The point-of-view characters include Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

See it at Amazon The third novel, A Storm of Swords, largely concludes the War of the Five Kings. As the conflict wanes, the Stark children face various challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to lead. The point-of-view characters are Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

See it at Amazon A Feast for Crows picks up where A Storm of Swords left off and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, as winter approaches Westeros. Due to the book's size, Martin split the narrative into two volumes, each telling the full story for half the characters. The point-of-view characters include Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Jaime Lannister, Samwell Tarly, Cersei Lannister, Brienne of Tarth, Aeron Greyjoy, Victarion Greyjoy, Arianne Martell, Asha Greyjoy, Areo Hotah, and Arys Oakheart.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

See it at Amazon A Dance with Dragons reintroduces the characters absent from A Feast for Crows and continues the story from A Storm of Swords. The novel is parallel to A Feast for Crows but eventually moves beyond its events, making it the furthest in the series' timeline. Key events include a new Lord Commander at the Night's Watch, Daenerys' struggles with power, the Greyjoys' eastward journey, and the emergence of a new claimant to the Iron Throne. The point-of-view characters are Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Bran Stark, Arya Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Quentyn Martell, Davos Seaworth, Barriston Selmy, Asha Greyjoy, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Jon Connington, Victarion Greyjoy, Areo Hotah, and Melisandre.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

See it at Amazon The World of Ice & Fire is a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes family trees, illustrations, and information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, and beyond.

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books by Release Date

• A Game of Thrones (1996)
• A Clash of Kings (1999)
• A Storm of Swords (2000)
• A Feast for Crows (2005)
• A Dance with Dragons (2011)
• The World of Ice & Fire (2014)
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015)
• Fire & Blood (2018)

Upcoming Game of Thrones Books

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Martin has announced the upcoming release of A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

See it at Amazon See it at Barnes & Noble See it at Target

The Winds of Winter

Martin's next novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, will follow A Dance with Dragons. He has shared preview chapters and blogs, indicating point-of-view chapters from Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, Barriston Selmy, and others. Despite being "13 years late," Martin considers it a priority, estimating it to be 75% complete and over 1,500 pages long.

A Dream of Spring

The final book in the series, A Dream of Spring, remains in the planning stages.

Fire & Blood Volume 2

Martin is also working on Fire & Blood Volume 2, which will cover the second half of the Targaryen dynasty's 300-year reign.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has plans for additional Dunk & Egg novellas, though they will not be published until after The Winds of Winter. He has outlined potential stories, including The She-Wolves set in Winterfell and The Village Hero in the Riverlands. Other tentative titles include The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander. An HBO series based on these novellas, starting with The Hedge Knight, is in development and expected to premiere in late 2025.

For more, check out the best fantasy books reading list or pick up one of the best reading lights.